Sindecuse Health Center

Group Counseling

Group counseling is a type of therapy in which several students meet with a trained therapist(s), often focusing on a common goal. Members learn from others' experiences, receive and give feedback, receive support and learn that they are not alone. Groups offer individuals the opportunity to share personal concerns in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. Research shows it to be as effective as individual counseling, and for some issues, it can be more effective. Students can benefit from group therapy in many ways:

Connect with others facing similar issues
Learn and practice new skills in a safe space
Share experiences and gain perspective from talking with others
Improve self-awareness, self-confidence and social skills
Enhance acceptance of self and others

Counseling Services at Sindecuse Health Center offers several groups open to current Western Michigan University students. Most groups meet weekly and are open to new participants. Please call Counseling Services at (269) 387-1850 or register with the button below if you are interested in participating. Prior to engaging in group therapy, all participants will be asked to complete a pre-screening with a counselor.

Groups offered Fall 2024

Please call (269) 387-1850 to see if a group is active. If participation is low, a group may not continue to the end of the semester. Groups meet weekly for the duration of the session.

Drawn Together

Starts Sept. 26, Thursdays 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Hands-on creative art approaches for improving mental health through expression, insight, and sharing. No artistic experience required.
Facilitators: Susanne Stefanski, LPC and Ellie DeLeon, LLP.

Emotional Survival Skills

Starts Sept. 27, Fridays 10–11:30 a.m.
Emotional skills crash course. Learn emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills in a supportive environment.
Facilitators: Patrick Hanlin, LPC and Ellie DeLeon, LLP.

Finding Connection, Thriving in Relationships- Interpersonal Process Group

Starts Sept. 26, Thursdays 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Friendship,romantic partnership, associations, acquaintances, family, professional relationships. Participants will explore connection within various kinds of relationships; how connection is formed, and what makes connection and relationships meaningful. Ways to establish, maintain and navigate relationships as they evolve will be explored. This group is open to all enrolled students interested in exploring ways to thrive within relationships.
Facilitators: Ariane Stein, LPC and Dr. Dani Standish, Licensed Psychologist.

Know Thyself! This is Me

Session 1 starts Sept. 25, Wednesdays 2–3:30 p.m. (5 sessions)
Session 2 starts Nov. 16, Wednesdays 2–3:30 p.m. (5 sessions)
Self-discovery group for all individuals who want to know more about themselves. Explore your personality, values, & interpersonal styles.
Facilitator: Dr. Dani Standish, Licensed Psychologist and Dom Giroux.

Level Up

Starts Sept. 27, Fridays 12–1:30 p.m.
Therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons Group: Get creative. Build skills. Explore new worlds as well as yourself. Train your dragon.
Facilitators: Carmen Ortega, LLMSW and Susanne Stefanski, LPC.

Mindful Meditation

Starts Sept. 27, Fridays 10–11:30 a.m. (Drop-in)
Treat yourself to a one-hour blissful guided meditation experience.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Kim Berning, LMSW.

Mixed~ish

Starts Oct. 9, Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m.
Less than 5% of Western students identify as a mixed person. Being on such a large it can be hard to find people who understand what it's like to be you, think like you and look like you (well sort of). Mixed-ish is the place where people who have always been pulled, pushed, twisted or bent their multiple identities or cultures can come together to connect and share their experiences
Facilitators: Mya White, LLMSW, and Dom Giroux.

Project Calm: Practical Coping Strategies for All the Things

Starts Sept. 24, Tuesdays 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Drop-in)
Learn and practice practical and evidence-based techniques useful for coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and test anxiety and more.
Facilitator: Kim Berning, LMSW.

When Families Have Problems

Starts Sept. 24, Tuesdays 10–11:30 a.m.
For students struggling with mentally ill and/or addicted parents or family members.
Facilitators: Grace Orlando, LMSW and Patrick Hanlin, LPC.